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Richard John Hatton
(6 October 1978 – 14 September 2025)
RIP
On 14 September 2025, the UK lost a sporting legend. Ricky Hatton passed away in his home in Gee Cross, Hyde, leaving a hole in the fabric of our country’s and the city of Manchester’s athletic history.
The Hatton family recently approached Digital Next to create the official visualisation of Ricky Hatton’s funeral procession route. Our CEO Justin Blackhurst was honoured to support the family. The procession, of which the route was recently revealed, will take place on 10 October 2025.
The Digital Next team worked closely with Jenna, Matthew, the Hatton family and Frank Massey & Son Funeral Directors to design a fitting tribute for a man who truly embodied the spirit of Manchester, changed the landscape of British boxing and meant so much to fans the world over. The result was a simple, yet beautifully crafted timeline-style infographic of Ricky’s final journey, laid over a black-and-white map of Manchester with sky-blue details in homage to his beloved football team, Manchester City. A “Blue Moon” rising over the city skyline symbolises the enduring, vibrant spirit and undeniable legacy that Ricky leaves behind.
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The route was carefully plotted in collaboration with Hatton’s family. It begins at The Cheshire Cheese in Gee Cross, Hyde, his home until his passing, and travels through significant landmarks in Hyde, Denton and Manchester before arriving at Manchester Cathedral. Every turn and every stop reflects a significant aspect of who Ricky was – from his famous Hatton’s Gym, where champions were made, to the AO Arena, the stage of unforgettable fight nights. After the service, the procession will continue from the Cathedral to the iconic Etihad Stadium, the home of Manchester City, where fans will once again gather to celebrate the life of one of their own.
More than a map | A personal connection
Digital Next’s involvement with the Hatton family did not begin with this memorial project. The team also produced one of Ricky’s final media appearances – an episode of the Bricks to Riches podcast, filmed at Hatton’s Gym. CEO Justin Blackhurst attended the recording and recalled Ricky being in great spirits, sharing stories and laughs throughout the podcast and into a meal enjoyed together afterwards. It was a day filled with warmth and camaraderie; a reflection of the humility and humour that defined Ricky throughout his life.
A legacy etched in boxing history
Ricky Hatton’s story is one of grit, heart and triumph. There’s a reason he was known as “The People’s Champion”. Born in 1978 in Stockport and raised in Hattersley, he rose from humble, working-class beginnings to become one of Britain’s most beloved sports figures. Beginning his professional career at 18, he went on to earn world titles in two weight divisions, building a loyal following of fans who travelled across the seas in their tens of thousands to watch him fight around the world.
In 2005, Hatton famously defeated Kostya Tszyu in Manchester, a fight regarded as one of the greatest nights in British boxing history. He would go on to unify the light-welterweight division, be named Fighter of the Year by The Ring magazine and capture a world title at welterweight. Known for his relentless “swarm” style, powerful body shots and passionate fanbase, Ricky’s professional record ended with 45 wins, 3 losses and 32 knockouts. Even in defeat against legends like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, his courage and determination earned him respect across the globe.
Beyond the ring, Ricky’s openness about his struggles with mental health and advocacy for others made him a role model far beyond sport. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2023, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest British boxers of all time.
“The Pride of Manchester” – A poem by Justin Blackhurst
As part of Digital Next’s tribute, CEO Justin Blackhurst wrote a poem to honour Ricky Hatton – a celebration of his life, legacy and the love he inspired in millions.
“The Pride of Manchester”
In Celebration of Ricky Hatton
From the heart of Tameside, a champion was born,
A lad with a dream, gloves laced and heart sworn.
No shortcuts, no favours, no easy way through,
Just hard work and passion, and sky-coloured blue.
They called him The Hitman, but we knew him as more,
A hero, a neighbour, the one we’d all roar.
From packed-out arenas to bright Vegas lights,
He carried our spirit through all of his fights.
Liam and Noel walked him out, side by side,
An Oasis anthem swelling with northern pride.
“Because maybe… you’re gonna be the one that saves me,” they’d sing,
And Ricky would smile as he stepped through the ring.
He fought for his people, he fought for his town,
But never forgot those who helped build his crown.
From selfies on street corners to chats in a shop,
He made time for everyone, he’d always stop.
Family first – that’s the Hatton way,
Their love was his anchor, his light every day.
A father, a son, a proud Manchester soul,
With laughter and kindness that made us all whole.
“You and I are gonna live forever,” the chorus would play,
And Ricky lived every word of it, day after day.
For legends like him never truly depart,
They live on in our spirit, our pride, and our heart.
So let’s lift a glass and sing loud and strong,
For the lad who showed Britain where we all belong.
Our champion, our Ricky, forever a friend,
Whose story and love will live on to the end.
And one day, a statue should rise where he stood,
A tribute of bronze to a man who did good.
For heroes like Ricky, whose hearts never tire,
Deserve to be honoured, remembered, admired.By Justin Blackhurst
In Celebration of Ricky Hatton
From the heart of Tameside, a champion was born,
A lad with a dream, gloves laced and heart sworn.
No shortcuts, no favours, no easy way through,
Just hard work and passion, and sky-coloured blue.
They called him The Hitman, but we knew him as more,
A hero, a neighbour, the one we’d all roar.
From packed-out arenas to bright Vegas lights,
He carried our spirit through all of his fights.
Liam and Noel walked him out, side by side,
An Oasis anthem swelling with northern pride.
“Because maybe… you’re gonna be the one that saves me,” they’d sing,
And Ricky would smile as he stepped through the ring.
He fought for his people, he fought for his town,
But never forgot those who helped build his crown.
From selfies on street corners to chats in a shop,
He made time for everyone, he’d always stop.
Family first – that’s the Hatton way,
Their love was his anchor, his light every day.
A father, a son, a proud Manchester soul,
With laughter and kindness that made us all whole.
“You and I are gonna live forever,” the chorus would play,
And Ricky lived every word of it, day after day.
For legends like him never truly depart,
They live on in our spirit, our pride, and our heart.
So let’s lift a glass and sing loud and strong,
For the lad who showed Britain where we all belong.
Our champion, our Ricky, forever a friend,
Whose story and love will live on to the end.
And one day, a statue should rise where he stood,
A tribute of bronze to a man who did good.
For heroes like Ricky, whose hearts never tire,
Deserve to be honoured, remembered, admired.By Justin Blackhurst
A farewell from a city that loved him
Ricky Hatton was more than a world champion – he was a symbol of Manchester’s resilience, humour and pride. Ricky was a fighter whose journey reflected the spirit of the people who supported him. Through the memorial route, his final podcast appearance and the poem written in his honour, Digital Next is proud to have played a small part in preserving the legacy of a man who gave so much to so many.
Ricky’s story will continue to be told in the streets he walked, the arenas he filled and the hearts of everyone he inspired. As Manchester prepares to say its final farewell on 10 October, the city will come together not just to mourn a legend, but to celebrate a life that will never be forgotten.
Produced by Digital Next with respect, care, and gratitude to the Hatton family.
Credit: Designer Sally Bell
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